Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
In a world that’s rapidly binge-watching series after series on streaming platforms, the art of storytelling has undergone significant transformations. Yet, it’s fascinating to note that the core elements of serialized storytelling are not an invention of our digital age. Two giants in the literary world, Charles Dickens and Alexandre Dumas, were perhaps the original architects of serialized fiction. In a time when episodes were distributed in weekly or monthly publications, Dickens and Dumas captivated the public imagination in much the same way our favorite TV shows and book series do today. Let’s dive into the history and see how these two forefathers of serialized fiction have techniques still relevant for today’s writers.
The Victorian Newsstand & The French Feuilleton
Charles Dickens
Before he was an established novelist, Charles Dickens had already dipped his toes into the world of serials. Starting with “The Pickwick Papers” in 1836, Dickens published most of his novels as monthly or weekly installments in both magazines and newspapers. This approach was both economic and engaging, allowing the working-class access to literature they otherwise couldn’t afford in a single volume.
Alexandre Dumas
Across the Channel, Alexandre Dumas was also employing serialized storytelling, although his stage was different—the French feuilleton, a section of a newspaper dedicated to serialized stories. Works like “The Three Musketeers” and “The Count of Monte Cristo” first enraptured audiences in this serialized format.
Pioneering Techniques Still in Use
Cliffhangers
The use of cliffhangers to keep readers hooked from episode to episode is a well-known technique today, but it originated with Dickens and Dumas. These mini-climaxes at the end of each installment were crucial to ensuring that readers would buy the next issue. This suspense-filled technique remains a staple in today’s episodic storytelling.
Rich Characterization
Both Dickens and Dumas are famous for their memorable characters, from the lovable David Copperfield to the vengeful Edmond Dantès. Their attention to detail in character development provided readers with emotionally complex and relatable individuals, making it easy for audiences to invest in the unfolding narrative. Modern storytellers can still learn from this meticulous approach to characterization.
Serialized Plots with Standalone Elements
Another technique that Dickens and Dumas mastered was the art of crafting episodes that could both stand alone and contribute to a larger narrative arc. This balance is crucial for maintaining reader engagement in the long term, and it’s a method that’s often replicated in today’s television series and ongoing novels.
The Digital Evolution: Dickens and Dumas in the Internet Age
Today’s writers have a plethora of platforms to serialize their stories—blogs, e-books, podcasts, Shorty.pub, and even social media. And while the mediums have changed, the principles of serialized storytelling have remained largely the same. Cliffhangers still tease audiences into craving the next installment, rich character development still tugs at the heartstrings, and well-balanced episodes continue to build larger, captivating arcs.
Conclusion
Although we’ve traded paper for pixels and ink for bytes, the legacy of Dickens and Dumas remains evident in the serialized stories that populate our modern landscape. By examining the techniques of these literary giants, today’s writers can find time-tested strategies for capturing and maintaining their audience’s attention. So the next time you eagerly await a new episode of your favorite series or the next chapter in an ongoing book, tip your hat to Dickens and Dumas—the pioneers who could give even today’s binge-worthy series a run for their money.
And remember, if you ever find yourself impatiently waiting for the next installment of a gripping tale, consider it a tribute to the mastery of suspense that Dickens and Dumas first capitalized on. Happy reading—and writing!
Take The Next Chapter In Your Hands!
If this blog post has piqued your interest in serialized fiction, why stop here? Dive deeper into the world of cliffhangers, compelling characters, and enthralling plots. Whether you’re a reader hungry for more or an aspiring writer looking to master the art of serialization, we’ve got just the place for you!
Click, read, and become a part of the storytelling evolution at Shorty.pub!
So what are you waiting for? Dickens and Dumas would probably have been Shorty.pub subscribers if they were around today, don’t you think?
See you there!
